Fires and drought

Next week, October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week... do you have an escape plan should a fire break out in your home?

Next week, October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week... do you have an escape plan should a fire break out in your home?

The theme this year is Prevent Kitchen Fires. Would you know what to do if a grease fire started on your stove? I certainly hope your answer is NOT, put water on it! Adding water to a grease fire is just like adding gasoline to an open flame. Calmly and quickly slide a metal lid across the pan to cover the flames. Do NOT attempt to carry the pan outside which can cause the burning grease to spill and spread the fire. The best fire prevention in the kitchen is to stay in the kitchen while you are cooking.

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Thursday Sept. 26 the University of Minnesota released their updated drought monitor. Portions of Southwestern Brown County along with Cottonwood and most of Jackson Counties are in severe drought conditions. We appear to be in a pocket of dryness while around us, the rest of Southern Minnesota is in moderate drought conditions.

Farmers have just started harvesting and while this week we have experienced beautiful fall weather, the risk of fires begins to elevate. Dry field debris gets sucked into moving parts and blocks air from engines. If they are not careful, a spark flies and field equipment or a field is on fire.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Care and time. Take time to be sure your equipment is cared for properly and cleaned so air can flow as it should. Carry a fire extinguisher in each piece of equipment you have in the field. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need to call for help.

The best fall is when the beauty of nature becomes evident in the handiwork of our Creator.

Practice E.D.I.T.H. and to our ag community, a safe and abundant harvest.